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AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde Honours Life and Memory of Len Marchand, First Status Indian Elected to Parliament

OTTAWA, June 4, 2016

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde expressed condolences yesterday to the family and friends of Len Marchand, the first status Indian in Canada to be elected as a Member of Parliament, hailing him as a leader for First Nations and Indigenous peoples.

"I am very saddened by the news of the passing of Len Marchand," said National Chief Bellegarde. "Len Marchand was an inspiration and a groundbreaking leader for First Nations and all Indigenous peoples. He was a man of many firsts and we will always remember his work, his life, his dedication and his achievements. This is a tremendous loss for all of us and, on behalf of the AFN National Executive, we send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and community."

Len Marchand was born in Vernon, B.C., in 1933. In 1968, he ran for the Liberals in the Kamloops-Cariboo riding and became the first status Indian elected as a Member of Parliament, serving from 1968 to 1979. During his career Marchand served in Cabinet holding a number of portfolios, including minister of state for small business and environment minister. In 1984, he was appointed to the senate and became only the second Indigenous senator in Canada. Marchand retired in 1998 and received the Order of Canada in 1999. He passed away yesterday at the age of 82.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON THE DEATH OF LEN MARCHANDWinnipeg, Manitoba

3 June 2016

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on the death of Len Marchand:

“I learned with great sadness today that Len Marchand had passed away.

“Mr. Marchand was a distinguished parliamentarian who held several senior positions including Parliamentary Secretary, Minister of State, Minister of the Environment and Senator. He was much admired by my father.

“A member of the Okanagan Indian Band, Mr. Marchand was a tireless champion for a stronger role for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canadian political life, as well as justice for Indigenous Peoples. He received several accolades for his work, including being appointed a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia, and receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee awards.

“Mr. Marchand was a trailblazer for Indigenous involvement in Canadian politics and a champion of their rights. His legacy will live on in those he inspired and helped.

“Len will be remembered for his strong convictions, his legendary sense of humour, and his tireless work to make Canada a better place for Indigenous Peoples.”

Premier Christy Clark has issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Len Marchand:

“I was deeply saddened to hear Len Marchand has passed away.

“Len was a trailblazer by nature. From high school to his time at UBC to Parliament Hill, Len made history time and time again as the first-ever Status Indian in his position.

“Looking back on a distinguished career in public service, including as a cabinet minister and senator, it’s remarkable to consider than when he was born, First Nations were not even permitted to vote. Because of the tireless, courageous efforts of Len and people like him, Canada is a very different – and better – place.

“His legacy will be a reminder that by working collaboratively and bringing people together, people can effect real and lasting change.